Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join with the sentiments being expressed this morning. I believe the selection of Senators MacSharry and Barrett to sit on the banking inquiry augurs very well for the operation of that committee. I do not have to outline their credentials, as we all know how accomplished and focused they are as members of the Oireachtas. I do not have any doubt that they will fulfil their mandate without fear or favour on behalf of the people.

Those who knocked on doors during the recent elections know full well the hurt, the anger and the sense of helplessness that is being experienced by the public. The idea of the banking inquiry has generated significant anticipation. It is therefore vital that the committee does its job, which is to act on behalf of the people of Ireland, including those who cannot pay their mortgages, those who have lost their jobs and those who have emigrated to the four corners of the earth, and for that reason it will be monitored and assessed very carefully. It is most important that it does not become a political quango. It should not be used for political point-scoring. Should that happen, it will lose credibility, and we cannot expect an outcome that will alleviate the suffering I have already mentioned. My hope is that if the committee starts on the right track, leaving party politics aside, and doing one of the most important jobs that will ever have been done in the State, then we can start looking forward in earnest. Although I accept that there have been improvements, we know that the people on the ground are disillusioned at this stage. The only way we can overcome the attitude of the people is by showing them strength of character, honesty, integrity, commitment and focus. It is good for this House that people of the calibre and character of Senators Sean D. Barrett and Marc MacSharry are the nominees of Seanad Éireann to sit on this committee. My hope is that there will be no misrepresentation. If that were to happen - and I do not expect that it will - not only will we have done harm to this House, but we will have done excessive harm to the will of the people. The people are waiting to see the Oireachtas Members doing a good job on their behalf and leaving politics to one side.